I’ve shared some fairly personal things in my last
two blog posts. That was for a reason. There are some people that I know and
love who are really struggling right now with their testimonies. It occurred to
me that they may not know why I believe the way that I do. They don’t
understand what I went through to gain the testimony that I treasure. So I
shared some of the experiences that shaped me into who I am today. These are
pieces of my life that helped me realize that God is real and that He does
answer prayers, although not always in the way we envision. He helps us through
difficult times, though not always in the manner we wish. And I have found it
is because of trials that we grow—if we so choose.
I think often of the stripling warriors, when I’m
facing something that isn’t very fun. These 2,000 young men faced overwhelming
odds fighting for something they believed with their entire hearts. (See Alma
53, 56, & 58—yes, I mean the entire chapters.) They relied on teachings
from their parents, and the example set by them, plus their own beliefs to
become the strong force that helped turn the tide in important battles. They
fought bravely to maintain the things they treasured most—freedom to worship as
they desired, and to protect their loved ones, and those who dwelled alongside
them.
I mentioned a key point—they not only relied on the
example and teachings of their parents, but they found out what was true for
themselves. I learned long ago that we can’t lean on the testimonies of others.
We have to find out for ourselves what is good and true. I had worked so hard
to gain my own testimony while in high school, that it became one of my
treasured possessions. I wrongly assumed that others felt the same way. It wasn’t
until I went to college and saw those I knew from active LDS homes make some
terrible mistakes once they were “on their own” that I realized the importance
of having your own testimony. If you don’t understand for yourself what is
truly important, when you hit important crossroads in your life, it’s difficult
to know which way is the correct path.
Back to the Stripling Warriors: the following
scripture is one of my favorites with regard to this courageous army: “But
behold, they have received wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty
wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord
their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments,
and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong . . .” (Alma 58:40)
The stripling warriors earned their testimonies
through experiences that strengthened them and helped them to know for
themselves what was true. And once they gained that testimony, they
accomplished what others deemed impossible.
We’ve been asked in recent times by our prophet and
his apostles, to read the Book of Mormon frequently. We’ve been promised the
strength we need to face the challenges of our day if we will do so. I testify
that this book of scripture is sacred and it was preserved for us. Our Father
in heaven knew we would desperately need the teachings it contains to survive
all that would take place in our time. This book of scripture has helped me
endure countless trials. It was where I drew my strength when I was facing some
pretty intense trials during my teenage years. It continues to be a source of
comfort and peace during those I face now.
We are all here on earth to grow and learn. And
because we’re all different, we all learn in varying ways and times. What works
for one person, will not work for someone else. One thing remains constant—the fact
that our Father in heaven loves us and is there for us whenever we remember to
turn to Him. We all make mistakes and we often learn the most from those
mistakes. (I still have a face, even though I did my best to burn it off—see last
week’s blog post to understand that comment.) There is always a way back to where we need to
be, if we’ll humble ourselves enough to seek a better path. We’re all in this
journey together, and together, we can keep pushing forward toward a time when
things will make sense and we can understand we were more watched over than we
ever imagined possible.
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